The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1887-12-29
E 7 r E. !!
The old " Exchange" goes
up in Smoke.

About half-pa four o'clock Satur-
day morning, ss Mr.. Mills McManus,
! who is an habitual early riser, was out
on the walk in front of his residence
enjoying morning pipe, he noticed
light reflected upon the east side of
the Court House, and he Immediately
started up the street to investigate.
Arriving at the gate at the rear of the
Exchange building, he discovered a
blaze about the size of a barrel, in the
room, or shed, used for keeping poul-
try. He promptly gave the alarm,
but before assistance arrived the fam es
had spread so rapidly that it was evil
dent the building must go. The fire
| laddies" were on hand in good tims,
and, with four lines of hose made a
desperate fight against the flames. and
succeeded in preventing their spread
ing to other buildings.
The building was occupied by Mrs.
A. n. Parsons, Millinery establish
ment. the family occupying the rooms
on the second floor; Cast Brothers
Market, Mrs. E A. Scriptures Book
and Fancy Goods Store, w. w. Mon
sey end family. living in rooms on
second floor. aud Geo. Downs Poultry
market on Chestnut street. Mr. Par.
sons and family heard the first alarm,
but by the time they were dressed the
flames were already breaking through
the windows and volumes of smoke
pouring into the rooms, and taking
what few article of value they could
lay hands upon, made their escape.
Mr.. Monsey and his family were even
less fortunate, not having time to
finish dressing, they succeeded, how
ever, in getting out safely.
The building was owned by Mr.. H.
w. Riddle and was not insured. Mr..
Riddle does not estimate his loss at
very large sum, as he had intended
to tear the old building down in the
near future. to make room for fine
block on that valuable corner.
Of Mrs. Parsons stock, four show
eases and their contents were saved in
a somewat damaged condition. Her
loss is estimated at S., ,O0O, upon which
there was $500 insurance
A portion of Mrs. Scriptures stock
was saved. Her loss is placed at ST.
4eO to 81 500; insured for $500.
Cast Brothers saved the beef which
hung in the front room only, losing
all other stock and their tools and fix
lures. Loss $500; no insurance.
MIR. Monsey's loss, in household
goods, clothing, &c, will reach $500,
upon which he had $3.50 insurance.
Geo Downs lost his entire stock of
Christmas poultry, valued at about
$3.50, upon which there was no insur-
ance.
Regarding the origin of the fire we
hear various opinions expressed, the
most reasonable one being that light
ed cigar was carelessly thrown down
in the sawdust during the previous
evening, which, after smoldering for
hours, finally broke into a biszs, and
when once started it spread with in
credible rapidity. There are others
who believe the fire was set by an in
cendiary, but with what object no
body can tell
The Exchange" was one of the
Oldest, if not the oldest, building in
Ravenna. Itwas built as early as 1910,
and occupied as hotel, of which Da
vid Greer was the first landlord.
Since that time it has been overhsuled
and improved" many times, but old
age had made deep impression upon
the old landmark, which is now a
mass of ruins.
If Mr.. Riddle carries out his plans
and builds such a block as he contem-
plates, the citiz ms of fRavenna-except
those whose property was burned
will not regret the fire of Saturday
morning.